poplid

Does anyone know what the best way to go from California to New York during Summer? Doesnt it stay pretty cool on the northern route until later in summer? I plan on leaving right when summer starts. Any help?

indyfabz

1. What is the "northern route?"
2. There is no "best way." "Best" is too subjective. E.g., For some, the least hilliest way may be the "best" way. No so for others.
3. I rode ACA's Northern Tier route starting in Seattle in late May. We had a lot of hot and humid days from MN (in early July) through OH.

poplid

Well i guess the better question is, is a possible to go from california to new york in 2-3 months? and if so what is the fastest route?

OldZephyr

Consider looking at crazyguyonabike.com for tons of journals on this subject written by people who have done such a trip.

fietsbob

Well, Columbia River (Gorge) kept cutting thru the mountains,
as the Cascades were pushed up, by geological forces.

Sierras and the rest of the Cascades, you have to go over them..

stevepusser

Hmmm...I can think of Highway 70 along the Feather River that has cut through the northern Sierra in much the same way, but then you have to cross all the ranges in the Basin and Range area anyway. Much the same deal with going up the Sacramento River to Mt. Shasta to reach the Modoc lava plateau, there's still a lot of climbing after that.

People have ridden across the country in 7-8 days during the Race across America, so anything is possible. You tell us nothing about your level of fitness, what you're carrying, where you plan to sleep, and then want us to give you an answer?

The fastest route may be the southern tier until you reach the southerly low level wind flow that comes up from the Gulf during the warm months, then head northeast toward New York. This would not be the most scenic or most comfortable route, weatherwise.

indyfabz

Why not head up Seattle way on the train and then ride ACA's Northern Tier route to somewhere like Erie, PA and then take the PA bicycle route across the northern tier of the state (I think it's route Y) to NJ and then make your way to NYC? Note that the only way you can actually ride into NYC from the west is via the Geo. Washington Bridge. Otherwise, you need to take a ferry or train or bus.

Summer starts around June 21. Doubtful you will be able to avoid hot stretches. July and August are typically the hottest and most humid months in the midwest and northeast. Sounds like touring and route planning is something new to you. If that is correct, the ACA maps might be the way to go.

Cyclebum

Google map it, car mode, options avoid highways, avoid tolls. That'll be the shortest/fastest. In much of the west, you can ride the interstates when it suits you. Plot your way around any large cities it tries to take you through.

Or buy the ACA maps that match your preferred routing.

poplid

Thanks for the advice, I just became a member to ACA, sounds like im just going to use their routes, the western express to the Trans America then go up to NY.

indyfabz

If heat is your concern, the WE is probably not the best choice if you are starting at the true beginning of summer, but it's doable.

fietsbob

Any how, geography/geology fans headwaters of the Feather River is the Sierras..

headwaters of the Columbia is in the Canadian Rockies